SOLVER WORKFLOW
A practical workflow for word-finder filters
Filters are most effective when each answers one question. Start broad enough to learn the rack, then narrow only when the puzzle gives you a real constraint.
Unscramble lettersIN THREE MOVES
What to remember
- Begin broad, then apply one constraint at a time.
- Use exact length only when the answer length is known.
- Clear filters when a result list becomes unexpectedly empty.
STEP 01
Enter the inventory accurately
Type every available letter, including duplicates. Add a question mark for each blank tile. Spaces and punctuation are unnecessary. Before solving, compare the typed string with the physical rack from left to right so a duplicated or missing tile does not distort every result.
The solver can use any subset of the entered letters unless an exact length is selected. That makes the first result list a map of the rack rather than a claim that every word uses every tile.
STEP 02
Use minimum length for exploration
A minimum length removes noise while preserving several possible sizes. Set it to four or five when you want substantial results but do not know the answer length. Scan the longest common words and note recurring beginnings or endings.
Raise the minimum only after the list teaches you something. If you set it too high immediately, you may hide the shorter base word that explains a longer construction.
STEP 03
Use exact length for a real constraint
Exact length is appropriate when a crossword entry has a fixed number of squares or a puzzle states the answer length. It is also the fastest way to isolate full-rack anagrams: set the exact length equal to the number of entered letters.
If the list becomes empty, clear the starting-letter filter first, then reduce the exact length. Changing one control at a time tells you which assumption failed.
- Confirm the number of spaces in the puzzle.
- Set exact length once.
- Apply a starting letter only if it is known.
- Remove the newest filter first when results disappear.
STEP 04
Use starts-with and saved words as a shortlist
The starting-letter filter is powerful because it controls position, not merely membership. Use it for a confirmed crossword letter, a required board opening, or a practice pass focused on a specific initial. Do not guess a starting letter and then forget the filter is active.
Save only a small set of candidates you intend to compare. Favorites remain on the current device, so they work well as a temporary shortlist rather than a permanent universal account.
PRACTICE IT
One-filter-at-a-time drill
Enter LISTEN. Explore words of four or more letters, then isolate six-letter results, then require a starting S.
- Set minimum length to four.
- Notice useful shorter bases.
- Change to exact length six.
- Add S as the starting letter and observe what remains.
Reveal the worked answer
The broad list teaches the rack. Exact six isolates full-rack anagrams. Starting S narrows that set toward SILENT. Clearing S restores the other six-letter possibilities.